勅修百丈清規 4.7

4.7

An exemplar for the monastic grove, the eyes of gods and humans; he shares the seat to expound the Dharma and instructs later generations. In seated meditation he leads the assembly, scrupulously observing the regulations. Whether the vegetarian meals and gruel are fine or coarse, he encourages and instructs the duty-officers. If a monk's conduct lacks deportment, he applies penalties according to the rules. To the elderly, the sick, and the deceased, he extends compassion and sees them to the end. In all matters of the community, he has the authority to implement them, just as clothes have collars or nets have main ropes. Even for venerable elders of great regions, if the abbot can engage them with proper courtesy, they may also be invited to fill this office; this is called ‘stepping down from position to serve others.’ Just as Mañjuśrī was the teacher of seven buddhas, yet still aided Śākyamuni in propagating transformation as the head of the assembly. In our school, Muzhou served Huangbo, and Yunmen served Lingshu; their light illuminated previous exemplars and bequeathed teachings to later generations. As the weight of this title and position is so great, can it be lightly appointed?